Changes to working practices in medical communications during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from two surveys

Successive waves of COVID-19 have altered opinions and working practices. We conducted a survey in early 2020 among 759 members the medical communications community, recruited via our network, seeking their experiences, opinions, insights. The was repeated 13 months later (N=925 respondents) using similar methodology. In both surveys respondents had generally positive attitude to home appreciation for lack commute time saved. contrast, distractions home, inability “switch off” at end day, concerns about potential impact on career development and/or connections with colleagues were highlighted. Notable findings include longer hours as pandemic progressed an increase feelings isolation loneliness comparison before pandemic. Companies appear not used since start formally define or hybrid working, including consideration workplace health safety requirements.